Stand Partners Episode 1: The Gift of Giving

Stand Partners is a monthly heart-to-heart conversation between veteran string educators and JMU music education professors, Dr. Annie Savage and Laura Mulligan Thomas. In this first episode, we introduce our hopes and dreams for Stand Partners through the lens of Marlon Foster, whose legacy of brilliance and service to jazz education is being honored with a new music education scholarship at JMU.

In "The Gift of Giving", Annie and Laura introduce themselves and talk about their first orchestra positions and how these experiences helped to shape their philosophies of string education. They also discuss how they are helping to forge a comprehensive musical experience at JMU that builds on the long legacy of string education at JMU, a school that boasts 100% job placement of their music education graduates.

This episode is dedicated to the legacy of Marlon Foster. Marlon shared his immense talent, joyful spirit, and compassionate commitment to JMU and the greater Harrisonburg community for nearly half a century. He was a beloved educator, mentor, and world-class musician who inspired generations. A scholarship has been established in his name and will be awarded to a senior music education major who embodies Marlon’s legacy of musical excellence, joyful expression, and selfless dedication to others. You can donate to this scholarship here:

https://give.jmu.edu/campaigns/61306/...

Interested in attending JMU? Music Major Preview Day is November 3. For more information on admission to JMU School of Music- click here:

https://www.jmu.edu/music/admissions/...

Want to know more about your Stand Partner hosts? Check out their work and faculty pages below:

Professor Laura Mulligan Thomas
https://www.jmu.edu/music/people/prof...
https://lauramulliganthomas.com/chso-...

Dr. Annie Savage
https://www.jmu.edu/music/people/prof...
https://www.free-strings.com